Chapter 25 - TAVIAN’S CHOICE BECOMES A COURT ORDER
The judge approved my appointment as permanent guardian.
Not because Tavian’s nomination forced the result.
The order listed:
Tavian’s valid preference.
Esmond’s bond with me.
My approved home and work plan.
School stability.
Therapeutic support.
Ulric’s criminal conduct and current inability to serve safely as primary guardian.
Then the conditions on me.
Continue Esmond’s school.
Maintain therapy for at least six more months unless clinician recommended otherwise.
Provide annual guardian reports as required.
No moving major distance without legal compliance.
No using child-trust assets without trustee approval.
No discussing adult litigation with Esmond.
Fine.
Then Ulric.
No direct contact until he completed six months of anger intervention and the child clinician supported a structured introduction.
After that:
One therapeutic session.
Then supervised visits if successful.
No overnights without later review.
No bats, weapons, or frightening discipline.
That last phrase was broader legally.
The order said:
No corporal punishment, threats, destruction of property as discipline, or discussion of guardianship litigation.
Good.
Then money.
Independent trustee remained.
The house could continue as Esmond’s residence under the occupancy agreement.
I paid utilities and ordinary household expenses.
Trust paid property tax and major capital repairs.
No ownership transfer to me.
No guardian enrichment.
Then Tavian’s emergency phone.
Not mentioned.
It did not need to be.
That had done its job long before the judge signed anything.
Outside court, Harriet hugged me once.
Then said:
“Do not make me regret this.”
“I’m not your client.”
“Tavian would’ve said the same.”
Probably.
Ulric stood near the elevators.
We looked at each other.
No hug.
No handshake.
Then he said:
“Take care of him.”
I answered:
“I will.”
He nodded.
Nothing else.
May you like
The largest legal fight was over.
The family part would take longer.
